After a six-month investigation by a New York grand jury, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is now facing formal criminal charges of: second degree rape and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or disabled person.  

This story first came to light when a complaint was reported to the New York State Department of Health that Kipper Allen Stevens had sexual relations with a disabled female patient at Shore Winds Nursing Home.  Shore Winds suspended Stevens during the health department investigation. 

Stevens will be in Monroe County Court on July 21.  No word yet on how Stevens will plead to these criminal charges.  Read more about this case involving the rape at a new york nursing home here.

How can you protect your family from nursing home violence?

When it comes to protecting nursing home patients from violence in the facility, it is particularly important to become familiar with the safeguards a facility has in place to protect its residents.  With respect to abuse nursing home employees, all facilities should conduct a thorough background search, reference check and criminal background screening.  Today, many states make this pre-hire screening process mandatory.

When selecting a facility, it is important to ask difficult questions in a direct way to administrators and executive staff-- if you are not satisfied with the response or the staff is 'put off' by your request, it may be time to look for another facility.

The following may be a useful starting point when asking a facility about their crime prevention:

• Are criminal background checks done on all employees?
• Are criminal background checks done on all residents?
• What is the sign-in procedure for visitors?
• Does the facility employ any security personnel?
• Does the facility care for any 'younger' residents?  Are they allowed to freely interact with other residents?
• Have any violent crimes taken place at the facility?
• Are doors and windows kept secure?

If you suspect your loved one was a victim of abuse or violence, it is important to contact your local law enforcement immediately.  A timely investigation, can help insure all evidence is collected and witnesses are contacted before their memories fade.

Related Nursing Homes Abuse Blog Entries:

New York Nursing Home Investigated Over Sex Abuse Claims

LaSalle County Nursing Home Cited For Failing To Protect Residents From Sex Abuse

Should Criminal Background Checks Be Required At All Nursing Homes?